Popular Chinese restaurant in Trussville closed its doors

TRUSSVILLE — When Tyler, 19, tried to order from Mr Chen’s Chinese Authentic Cooking a week ago, he found out the popular restaurant in Trussville was closed for good.

Mr. Chen’s Trussville location is one of four restaurants in Alabama. Mr. Chen’s has made news not only for its fresh authentic Chinese cuisine, but also because it was the focus of many conversations by city officials of whether the restaurant’s shrink wrapped van parked adjacent to the restaurant violated the city’s sign ordinance.

In the two years since its opening, Mr Chen’s fed many loyal customers, one included Tyler. But the restaurant closed abruptly last month leaving its fans in the dark about what happened to their favorite restaurant.

“It was a shock to most people who came here often,” said Tyler. “I visited their Facebook page which did not mention anything on its plans to close its doors.”

According to the property manager, Terry Ponder, the restaurant located at 1423 Gadsden Highway, Suite 111, which housed Mr. Chen’s, is slated to host a new tenant.

“We have been talking with several applicants and will have the property leased soon,” said Ponder.

He added that Mr. Chen’s owner left the country leaving a mess behind. Ponder said that due to the smell of spoiling food left behind, it took a crew to clean up the property to make it presentable for the next tenant.

Mr. Chen’s has other locations across the Birmingham area including Homewood and Hoover.